Wednesday, August 15, 2007

The Danger of Criticizing Bishops and Priests

My friend Denise of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Exchange has posted a very good article by Father Thomas G. Morrow from which the following excerpts were taken: BTW, welcome back Denise!

...In response, Francis went to the priest’s home and knelt before him saying, “I don’t know whether these hands are stained as the other man says they are. [But] I do know that even if they are, that in no way lessens the power and effectiveness of the sacraments of God… That is why I kiss these hands out of respect for what they perform and out of respect for Him who gave His authority to them.” His challenger left in silence...

...It is not up to us to decide what is apt in the Mass, but the bishops. Surely, we should avoid doing something immoral, but besides that unlikely case, we should obediently follow the liturgy given to us by those chosen to do so. Whether we like a translation or not (and some seem to be lacking at times), we should accept and use what our superiors have given us. Far better to write a humble letter to the bishops than to change things on our own authority. And far better to pray for better translations...
It is long but so well worth reading!

4 comments:

Home School Mom: Denise said...

Esther,
Thank you for linking to this article. It really has an important message! God bless all our priests, Bishops and dear Pope!

Mahalo!
Denise

EC Gefroh said...

Mahalo to you Denise. You help keep us grounded in the faith!

xxxxxx said...

I read on ewtn that we are not to criticize them personally, like call Father boring...but when they are misleading a whole congregation they must be warned. Too many people I know have lost the faith because they believe Father's version of it.

EC Gefroh said...

Diana, I understand what you are saying. But too many people will criticize the priests and bishops behind their backs but will not direct these criticism to them directly. I think that is what the article meant. Obedience to those of authority is an important part for us the laity.